Cold-molding covers a lot of ground, so it would be nice to know what
you are looking at. The two most common techniques going by that name
are diagonal planked veneers and strip planked timber, but there are
others. These are one off or small run construction methods and the
results will vary from builder to builder but when well done the
results can be lighter, stiffer, stronger and more durable than
conventional glass construction. Things you need to look for depend
on the construction method. As with any boat you should sound for
voids and look at the bulkhead/hull joins, engine mounts and so on.
Cold-molded boats are typically built using epoxy glue. The chemistry
of epoxy is critical and I've seen master boat builders make bad
batches. There is no easy way to tell if the glue hasn't gone off
inside the laminate so you have to trust that the builder kept track
of this when building. You may get a clue about the level of care
that the builder took by inspecting the detailing in the normally
hidden bits of the boat -- take a mirror and small, but powerful
flashlight and look and feel everywhere. Also, check for rot,
particularly in any parts that are pierced by fasteners and in
plywood bulkheads. In a general way, repairs in wood are easier and
more pleasant than repairs of glass, but YMMV. Since the boat is
built with glue and wood fiber (and typically a man-made fiber
covering) you can call it "composite construction" when talking with
your insurance company.

-- Tom.